EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPES. ENDURING STORIES.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Coquina walls & Atlantic history
Florida
Scenic header: Crossing a dry moat, this drawbridge was the only way into the Castillo. · NPS Photo · Photo credits
TAKE TIME TO DISCOVER

Coquina walls & Atlantic history

Explore a coastal fortress built of shell-stone coquina, overlooking the waters of St. Augustine. Ramparts and rooms reveal centuries of conflict, changing empires and imprisonment.

Drawbridge entrance to the Castillo de San Marcos
Crossing a dry moat, this drawbridge was the only way into the Castillo.
NPS Photo · Photo credits
Furnace for heating cannon balls
This furnace, in the water battery on the east side of the Castillo, heated cannonballs red hot to be fired at wooden vessels.
NPS Photo · Photo credits
BUILD A MEMORABLE VISIT

What to explore

  • 01Fort courtyard
  • 02Rampart views
  • 03Historic weapons programs when offered

Before you go

Steps and historic surfaces affect access to upper areas. Confirm program times and group admission arrangements.

Give the place time

Choose a manageable walk, viewpoint or tour, and allow time for interpretation. Gateway areas help orient the visit; they are not exact entrance directions.

Make the details easy

Confirm the specific facilities, walking surfaces and vehicle access your group needs. Tours, transport and special access may require separate arrangements.

Official visitor information ↗Plan your visit →

Check the official source for current access, hours, fees, reservations, permits and alerts. Photos may show earlier conditions. Suggested highlights are visit ideas, not a guarantee that every area is currently open.